< Previous40 100 Most Inspiring Leaders 2024 Leadership 1991 Eradication of Malaria 1996 Promulgation of the Basic Statute of the State 2003 Introduction of municipal elections The eradication of malaria within Oman was not just a public health triumph but a reflection of Qaboos’s broader ambition to improve the quality of life for his people. This achievement highlighted the Sultan’s dedication to the welfare of his nation. The introduction of Oman's first written constitution, the Basic Statute of the State, was a critical step in the formalisation of governance. The document codified the legal framework within which the nation would be governed, reflecting Qaboos’s desire for a structured and stable political order. The initiation of municipal elections was a measured yet significant step towards political participation. It reflected Qaboos’s understanding of the need for gradual reform in the context of Oman’s unique sociopolitical landscape. 40 100 Most Inspiring Leaders — September 2024 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_30-41_Sultan Qaboos_13367456.indd 40ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_30-41_Sultan Qaboos_13367456.indd 4028/08/2024 10:4228/08/2024 10:42arabianbusiness.com 41 Leadership 2011 Opening of the Royal Opera House Muscat 2015 Oman’s role in the Iran nuclear negotiations 2019 Launch of Oman’s Vision 2040 The inauguration of the Royal Opera House was emblem- atic of Oman’s cultural renaissance under Qaboos’s reign. The institution, which blends tradition with modernity, symbolised the Sultan’s vision of a nation that honours its past while embracing the future. Oman’s facilitation of dialogue between Iran and world powers during the nuclear negotiations highlighted Qaboos’s skill as a mediator. This role reinforced Oman’s position as a neutral actor in regional and global affairs, committed to peace and diplomacy. The developmen t o f Oman’s Vision 2040 was a forward-looking initiative, aimed at diversifying its econ- omy and reducing its reliance on oil. It was a clear artic- ulation of Qaboos’s foresight and his concern for the long-term sustainability of the nation he had transformed. arabianbusiness.com 41 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_30-41_Sultan Qaboos_13367456.indd 41ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_30-41_Sultan Qaboos_13367456.indd 4128/08/2024 10:4228/08/2024 10:4242 AB Leaders — September 2024 Wellbeing 42 100 Most Inspiring Leaders — September 2024 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_42-43_The list opener_13369767.indd 42ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_42-43_The list opener_13369767.indd 4228/08/2024 10:4228/08/2024 10:42arabianbusiness.com 43 Wellbeing Welcome to the Arabian Business Inspiring Lead- ers List, where we spot- light the visionaries who have redefined the business landscape of the Middle East. From driving economic innovation to shaping indus- tries and fostering creativity, this list recognises those at the pinnacle of lead- ership and influence. In a region steeped in history and brimming with opportunity, these lead- ers stand out not only for their business acumen but for their ability to push boundaries, redefine industries, and chart bold new courses. The Arabian Business Inspiring Leaders List isn’t just a roll call of success stories; it’s a testa- ment to resilience, foresight, and the sheer will to transform both companies and communities. These figures aren’t just leading – they’re trailblazing. Take Hatem Dowidar, Group CEO of e&, a man whose leadership has propelled the telecom giant into a digital powerhouse. Or Yogesh Mehta, the founder and CEO of Petrochem Middle East, who transformed the petrochemical landscape with an entrepreneurial vision few could match. And then there’s Yasir Othman Al Rumayyan, governor of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), who is the architect behind Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification, guiding the fund’s investments to reshape the king- dom’s future. Not to mention Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, who stands at the fore- front of cultural innovation in the UAE, driving a new wave of artistic excellence. These names aren’t just successful – they're influential. They have navigated the complexities of the modern market- place, taken bold steps where others hesitated, and set benchmarks that will resonate across generations. From startup disruptors to corporate titans, these leaders have not just built busi- nesses; they’ve created legacies. What makes this list truly excep- tional is the diversity of sectors repre- sented – from finance to technology, healthcare to energy. It’s a celebration of those who have harnessed innovation, fostered creativity, and kept their eyes firmly on the future. And they’ve done it all while inspiring those around them, proving that great leadership isn’t just about numbers on a balance sheet – it’s about vision, passion, and the ability to drive real, lasting change. So as you immerse yourself in stories of the Arabian Business Inspiring Leaders, you’re not just reading about success – you’re uncovering the DNA of progress, the blueprints of innovation, and the very essence of leadership in the Middle East. This is the power of vision- ary leadership. This is the future, being written right now. arabianbusiness.com 43 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_42-43_The list opener_13369767.indd 43ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_42-43_The list opener_13369767.indd 4328/08/2024 10:4228/08/2024 10:4244 100 Most Inspiring Leaders — September 2024 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 As the governor of the Public Invest- ment Fund, Yasir Othman Al Rumayyan has led the fund’s trans- formation from a sleepy domestic holding company into one of the biggest inves- tors in global technology start-ups. He brings a wealth of experience spanning more than two decades within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s pivotal financial institutions. After obtaining a degree in accounting from King Faisal University in Saudi Arabia, Al-Ru- mayyan began his career in the late 1990s at Saudi Hollandi Bank, where he occupied key positions across various departments before becoming the head of international brokerage until 2004. This was followed by an appoint- ment to the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) as part of its founding team, serving as the head of securities listings and later the director of finance. From 2010 to 2015, he served as the CEO and board member of Saudi Fransi Capital, while also sitting on the board of Tadawul, the Saudi Stock Exchange, between 2014 and 2015. Al Rumayyan is also a graduate of the Harvard Business School’s General Management Programme. Al Rumayyan first joined the PIF in 2015, when he became managing director and a board member, before taking on his current role in 2019. In this capacity, Al Rumayyan spearheads all operational aspects of the sovereign wealth fund, a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and economic transformation strategy. In 2021, he played a pivotal role in the highly publicised acquisition of English football club Newcastle United, a $392m takeover that granted PIF 80 percent ownership stake. Saudi diversification plans Aligned with Vision 2030, the PIF seeks to build an invest- ment portfolio of companies across diverse sectors in KSA and further afield. This includes in sectors such as aerospace and defence, the automotive industry, construction, enter- tainment, finance, healthcare, food and agriculture, real estate, telecom, transport, renewables and much more. The fund also owns globally renowned giga-projects such as NEOM, Qiddiya, Red Sea Global, ROSHN and Diriyah Company. Each of these projects is rooted in real estate and infrastructure, but their benefits are expected to significantly expand beyond these sectors, helping to stimulate the king- dom’s economy and diversify away from oil. In particular, NEOM, the $500bn mega-city in the north-west of the king- dom, is set to pioneer a circular economy, zero-carbon approach, operating entirely on renewable energy, while Red Sea Global is developing two of the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism projects, The Red Sea and Amaala. The PIF governor also serves as director, chairman and board member on several significant global entities, including Saudi Aramco, for which he has been chairman of the board since 2019 and leads the Decision Support Centre. He further holds board positions with the Saudi Industrial Devel- opment Fund and Uber Technologies, chairs Sanabil Invest- ments and Ma’aden, a mining and metals company, and is director for technology provider Arm, while also working as an advisor to the General Secretariat of the Cabinet of Minis- ters in the KSA Royal Court. Yasir Othman Al Rumayyan Governor Public Investment Fund (PIF) Investment 1 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 44ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 4428/08/2024 12:0828/08/2024 12:08arabianbusiness.com 45 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 Mohamed Alabbar laid the foundation of Emaar in Dubai back in June 1997, driven by the ambi- tion to contribute to the emirate’s visionary pursuit of transforming into one of the most modern and advanced cities in the world. Since then, he’s led the company to where it stands today – as a behemoth in the realm of integrated real estate development. Emaar Properties is now a major real estate company in the region, known for developing Dubai Downtown which is home to iconic landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. The company also works across the Middle East, North Africa and Asia, with a total land bank of more than 1.7 billion square feet, having delivered over 100,000 residential units across the world, while also owning and managing almost 40 hotels and resorts. Alabbar remains an integral part of Dubai’s growth in multiple industries, with interests in real estate, retail, hospi- tality, ecommerce, technology, logistics, food and beverage and venture capital. With an impressive portfolio of invest- ments and achievements in the region and globally, he is also considered a driving force behind several key achieve- ments including the world’s tallest tower, founded by his company Emaar Properties. Visionary leadership A graduate in Finance and Business Admin- istration from the Seattle University, USA, Alabbar holds several honorary doctorates, including from Seattle Univer sity, the London School of Economics and Political Science, and from Sun Moon University in South Korea. A testament to his indomitable spirit, Alabbar’s journey has also unfolded in the hospitality sphere through Emaar Hospitality Group, which has aimed to establish home- grown brands that rival its international counterparts. Today, the group boasts key hospitality assets such as Address Hotels and Resorts, Armani Hotels and Resorts, Vida Hotels and Resorts, along with serviced resi- dences, leisure clubs, and an array of restau- rants and spas. Alabbar is also the chairman of Ameri- cana Restaurants, the largest restaurant operator in the MENA region and Kazakhstan in terms of number of restaurants in its countries of operations, with global brands under its banner such as KFC, Pizza Hut, Hardee’s, Krispy Kreme and TGI Fridays. Beyond his pioneering role in real estate, Alabbar’s ventures encompass retail businesses that span over 20 global markets. Alabbar’s transformative vision extends to his ecommerce firm, Noon, which collaborates with govern- ment entities to provide an expansive platform for startups in Abu Dhabi and Ajman. He also established Noon Food, a venture fostering a sustainable ecosystem for both busi- nesses and consumers. Alabbar also formed Abu Dhabi-based private real estate investment and development company, Eagle Hills, taking its financial capability, expertise, and extensive relationships to drive the creation of large-scale, master-planned communities, with a blend of facilities that will elevate local economies, support holistic living and working solutions, while catering to both tourists and residents. The UAE-based projects include Maryam Island, Sharjah and the Kalba Waterfront, while Eagle Hills International includes Serbia, Bahrain, Morocco, Oman, Jordan, Ethiopia, Egypt and Albania. Mohamed Alabbar Founder and Chairman Emaar, Noon Real estate/Ecommerce 2 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 45ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 4528/08/2024 12:0828/08/2024 12:0846 100 Most Inspiring Leaders — September 2024 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 Hatem Dowidar is the Group CEO of e&. He joined e& in September 2015, initially serving as Group Chief Operating Officer. He was appointed CEO, International in March 2016, and in May 2020, he became the Group’s CEO. Ever since he took the company’s helm, Dowidar was the architect for the group’s trans- formation from a traditional telco to a technol- ogy group. He has spearheaded several ground-breaking strategic programmes that propelled the company’s business growth to new heights across the 33 markets where it now operates. As the company transformed into a global technology and investment conglomer- ate in Febr uar y 2022, and despite the ever-changing business landscape, his astute brand stewardship has been the foundation for enhancing e&’s brand equity, enhancing employee experience, and adding value to stakeholders. From regional to global Today, e& is the Fastest Growing Technology Brand and the most valuable brand portfolio in the Middle East and Africa, standing tall in global rankings. Dowidar also has been recognised by Brand Finance as the number one ranked telecom leader globally on the Brand Guardianship Index 2024. e& also attained the highest position in Brand Finance’s inaugural Employer Brand Report 2024, with its UAE entity ranking as the Top Global Telecoms Employer. Prior to joining the group, Dowidar was the Group Chief of Staff for Vodafone Group based in London. He brings 32 years of experience in multinational companies and more than 25 years of these within the telecommunications indus- try across various leadership positions. He initially joined Vodafone Egypt in 1999, served as Marketing Director (CMO), and later became the CEO of Vodafone Egypt from 2009 – 2014, where he steered the business growth with benchmark profitability in challenging and competitive environments. Dowidar has a long track record of achievements in the various leadership positions he held at Vodafone Group and its subsidiaries, including Group Core Services Director, Chairman and CEO of Voda- fone Malta, CEO of Partner Markets with partnerships covering over 45 markets, and Regional Director Emerging Markets. He also has extensive Corporate Governance expe- rience through his representation as Chairman and Board Member on several Corporate Boards within and outside the telecommunications industry. Dowidar began his career in AEG/Deutsche Aerospace (Daimler Benz Group) in Egypt before moving into market- ing at Procter & Gamble, where he held several managerial roles. He is currently a board member of Vodafone Group, Etihad Etisalat Company (Mobily), Maroc Telecom, and Etisalat Misr (Etisalat Egypt). On a global industry level, Dowidar is a member of the GSMA and the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF) leadership panel. GSMA is an industry organisation representing the interests of global mobile operators and the broader mobile ecosystem. IGF leadership panel is a multi-stakeholder group for policies and practices relating to the Internet and technologies. Convened by the Secre- tary-General of the United Nations, the IGF facilitates knowledge exchange on how to maximise Internet oppor- tunities and address risks and challenges. Hatem Dowidar Group CEO e& Technology 3 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 46ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 4628/08/2024 12:0828/08/2024 12:08arabianbusiness.com 47 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 Turki bin Abdul Mohsen Al Sheikh has been instru- mental in developing Saudi Arabia’s sporting and live events arenas as the kingdom opens up ahead of its grand 2030 vision. Al Sheikh was born in Riyadh in 1981 and holds a Bach- elor’s Degree in Security Sciences from King Fahad Security College, where he graduated in 2001. He has since had a long and illustrious career within Saudi Arabia’s govern- mental authorities, starting out in the Ministry of Interior, where he quickly moved up the ranks to become a captain. He also worked in the office of the prince of Riyadh, as well as the defense minister and crown prince. Leadership roles In 2015, he was appointed as an advisor to the royal court, followed by his appointment in 2017 as head of the General Sporting Authority, which represents Saudi sport at an inter- national level and manages the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee as well as Saudi sports federations. He was also president of the National Olympic Committee of Saudi Arabia. As head of GSA, Al Sheikh reshaped committees and organisations, changing the face of the sporting landscape across the kingdom. He also quickly tasted global fame when the GSA and wrestling organisation WWE brought the Greatest Royal Rumble event to Jeddah in 2018. With millions watching worldwide, Al Sheikh presented the champi- onship belt to winner Braun Strowman. That same year, Al Sheikh was appointed as chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, which was established in 2016 to nurture entertainment in all its forms, while also safeguarding the kingdom’s cultural heritage in line with Vision 2030. The coun- try aims to pump $64bn into the industry by the end of the decade. Sport and entertainment industry in KSA Under his guidance, the country’s entertainment sector, which is crucial for the diversification of the Saudi economy, has gone from strength to strength, with live events and activations, such as Saudi Seasons and Riyadh Boulevard City, drawing in millions of domestic and regional visitors over the past few years. The kingdom has also seen an influx of leisure and entertainment industry players from around the world, as it is on track to become the sector’s leading MENA market. In this role, Al Sheikh has launched a number of initia- tives that aim to benefit the Kingdom’s youth, including the Makers of Happiness, which seeks to qualify and train more than 100,000 young Saudi talents to fill specialised job in the entertainment sector. This includes providing training, qualifications and educational programmes to enhance the sustainability of the industry. Al Sheikh lives and breathes sports and entertainment not only at work, but also in his spare time. The authority chief famously took over Spanish football club Almeria in 2019. No stranger to the world of professional football, Al Sheikh had formerly been the owner of Egyptian side Pyra- mids FC. He is also an influential poet and a songwriter in his own right. Turki Al Sheikh Chairman General Entertainment Authority Entertainment 4 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 47ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 4728/08/2024 12:0828/08/2024 12:0848 100 Most Inspiring Leaders — September 2024 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 Under Al Mubarak’s leader ship, Mudabala has exper ienced a remarkable transformation over the past two decades. Al Mubarak has been instrumental in leading this company through substantial g r o wth with a combination of organic expansion, strategic acquisitions and mergers, propelling it into a $302bn enterprise with a global presence spanning six continents with interests across multiple sectors and asset classes. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, today Mubadala also has offices in London, Moscow, New York and Beijing. Embracing a global per spective and entrepreneur ial spir it, Mubadala has emerged as a responsible sovereign investor, committed to generating sustainable financial returns for its shareholder, the government of Abu Dhabi. Mubadala also embarked on the renewable energy journey early with the establishment of Masdar in 2006, a key player in global utility-scale renewable projects actively working to reduce its carbon footprint and strategically investing in industries that shape the future. Executive leadership Beyond his commercial endeavours, Al Mubarak, who holds a degree in Economics and Finance from Tufts University in Boston, holds various key positions within the UAE and Abu Dhabi governments, underscoring his influence and commitment to public service. Since 2006, he has been a member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, providing strategic guidance and oversight on matters of economic and financial importance. As a founding member of Abu Dhabi’s Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs, he contributes to shaping the emirate’s economic policies and priorities. Furthermore, his role as the Presidential Special Envoy to China since 2018 underscores his diplomatic acumen and efforts to strengthen bilateral relations. In January, Al Mubarak also became a founding member of the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council, followed by his appointment as Vice Chair of the newly founded Mohammed bin Zayed Water Initiative. He is also a member of the Abu Dhabi Advanced Technology Research Council. In addition to his governmental roles, Al Mubarak plays an instrumental role in steering the direction of several significant businesses. He serves on the boards of prominent entities such as the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), where he contributes to shaping the region’s energy landscape, and G42, the Abu Dhabi-headquartered global AI company. As the chairman of the boards of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Emirates Global Aluminium, and City Football Group, he provides strateg ic leader ship and over sight, ensur ing these organisations operate effectively and achieve their objectives. Since 2008, he has also been the chairman of Manchester City Football Club. Al Mubarak co-chairs important bilateral forums such as the Abu Dhabi-Singapore Joint Forum and the UAE-France Strategic Dialogue, facilitating dialogue and cooperation between nations, as well as fostering international partnerships and driving economic development. In this vein, he was also instrumental in establishing New York University Abu Dhabi and continues to serve on the New York University Board of Trustees, thus contributing to the advancement of education and academic excellence on a global scale. Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak Managing Director and Group CEO Mubadala Investment Company Investment 5 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 48ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 4828/08/2024 12:0828/08/2024 12:08arabianbusiness.com49 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 Nora Al Matrooshi has harboured ambitions to blast off into space since she was just five years old and her kindergarten teacher sat her class under a black tent and asked them to imagine they were on a rocket ship. In 2021 she took one giant leap towards those dreams as she was named the UAE’s first woman astronaut, who, alongside Mohammad Al Mulla, was chosen for the second batch of the UAE’s Astronaut Programme. She was then sent on a two-year astronaut training programme at NASA’s Johnson Space Centre in Houston, Texas, which acquainted the students with the multifaceted challenges and prerequisites associated with space travel. In March 2024, Al Matrooshi, a former mechanical engineer, graduated from the course along with Al Mulla and 10 other American astronauts. Now her training is complete, Al Matrooshi is eligible to participate in NASA-led missions, although it could be a while before she reaches space. In the meantime, she will be given assignments by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) to work in mission control and school outreach activities in Houston and the UAE. Al Matrooshi, a Sharjah native, was born in 1993 and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the United Arab Emirates University. She also received training from Vaasa Univer sity of Applied Sciences in Finland. Reaching for the stars Previously, Al Matrooshi worked at the National Petroleum Construction Company, but it was always her dream to be among the first Arab women to fly to space. Now she is following in the footsteps of Hazza Al Mansouri, the first Emirati man in space, who spent eight days aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in 2019, and Dr Sultan Al Neyadi, who blasted off for a six-month tenure on the ISS last year, becoming the first Arab astronaut to do a space walk while he was there. It is a crucial time to be involved in space exploration, as the ISS is expected to retire at the end of this decade. NASA is planning to launch Gateway, the first space station that will orbit the Moon, and the MBRSC will support this by providing the airlock, an airtight room that is used to enter and exit the station, as well as engineering support for the life span of the lunar space station. Under the arrangement, MBRSC has also secured a seat for one UAE astronaut to fly to Gateway on a future Artemis mission. Al Matrooshi, or any one of the other Emirati cohorts, could well be on that mission. Moreover, the MBRSC has said it will try to secure a mission to the ISS every three to five years. Gateway promises to support sustained exploration and research in deep space as part of NASA’s programme Artemis, the most diverse and broad coalition of nations in human exploration of deep space that includes the collaboration of the MBRSC, Canadian Space Agency, European Space Agency, and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. Nora Al Matrooshi Astronaut and Engineer Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) Science 6 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 49ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 4928/08/2024 12:0828/08/2024 12:08Next >